Court Acts Against Lighthouse Director Following BBC Investigation
An arrest warrant has been issued for Shaun Cooper, a senior director of Lighthouse International Group Holdings Trading LLP, marking the first time authorities have taken such significant legal action against the leadership of the controversial organization exposed in the BBC podcast series “A Very British Cult.”
From Life Coaching to Court Orders: Lighthouse’s Troubled Journey
Lighthouse began as a life coaching organization founded by Paul Waugh but was subsequently investigated by the BBC, which revealed allegations that the group had destructively impacted members’ lives while attempting to silence critics. Following these revelations, several members have departed the organization, though a dedicated core remains loyal to Waugh under the rebrand “Lighthouse Global Media.” These remaining members continue to deny the characterization of Lighthouse as a cult.
Financial Irregularities Lead to High Court Action
Following a separate investigation by the UK Insolvency Service, the High Court in London shut down Lighthouse’s business entity “in the public interest” in March 2023. The court cited the filing of false or misleading accounts and lack of cooperation with investigators as grounds for the shutdown.
“The Insolvency Service investigation established that, between August 2014 and July 2022, the group received more than £2.4m income – even though it had not declared any assets or income,” according to court documents revealed during proceedings.
Directors Face Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
Since the shutdown, the High Court has ordered all four company directors – Paul Waugh, Chris Nash, Shaun Cooper and Warren Vaughan – to cooperate with the Official Receiver’s ongoing efforts to locate assets that could be used to repay creditors.
The situation has further deteriorated with key developments:
- Paul Waugh and Chris Nash relocated to South Africa shortly after the company was shut down
- Both have failed to comply with a November 2024 court order to surrender Lighthouse’s financial records, citing PTSD as the reason
- Shaun Cooper has missed numerous interviews scheduled by investigators
- Cooper’s colleagues submitted a letter claiming he suffers from depression and anxiety and has left the country
- Only Warren Vaughan, who has since left the organization, has cooperated with investigators
Court Dismisses Medical Claims in Issuing Warrant
At a hearing on February 25, 2025, Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Sebastian Prentis found the letter from Lighthouse regarding Cooper’s condition “a very long way short” of explaining his absence or failure to provide information during the two-year investigation.
Judge Prentis granted the application for an arrest warrant, noting that despite claims about Cooper’s health, he appeared well enough to leave Britain. Cooper’s current location remains unknown, complicating enforcement efforts.
Lighthouse Pushes Back Against Investigations
In response to the Insolvency Service’s investigation, Lighthouse created a website criticizing the service and accusing it of “bullying” the group. The site states: “Lighthouse refuses to comply with the Insolvency Service’s demands, beyond the bare [sic] minimum necessary, on the basis that any ‘investigation’ has been falsely triggered by malicious and vindictive individuals and is thereby corrupt and invalid.”
This stance aligns with patterns identified by cult research experts, who note that resistance to external investigation and claims of persecution are common responses from groups facing scrutiny.
Protecting Yourself from High-Control Groups
The ongoing Lighthouse case highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs when engaging with coaching organizations or personal development groups. Experts from the International Cultic Studies Association recommend watching for these red flags:
- Requests for significant financial commitments early in involvement
- Isolation from family and friends who express concerns
- Claims of unique access to special knowledge or enlightenment
- Punishment or shaming for questioning leadership
- Difficulty leaving without facing threats or harassment
Learning More About Coercive Control
If you or someone you know has been affected by a high-control group or coercive relationship, resources are available through organizations like Mind Freedom International and The Freedom of Mind Resource Center.
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